Chicago River drowning was accident, officials say

May 30, 2006

NORTH SIDE — A Chicago man pulled from the North Branch of the Chicago River was a drowning victim, authorities said Monday.

John Santini, 45, of the 2300 block of West Diversey Avenue was spotted wearing a life jacket and floating in the water in the 1500 block of West Webster Avenue about 7 p.m. Sunday, authorities said. The drowning apparently was an accident, according to the Cook County medical examiner.